Dig into this local feast
Feast of Fields is a FarmFolk CityFolk celebration/fundraiser, focusing on the contributions chefs, restaurants, farmers, ranchers, fishers, food artisans, vintners, brewers and distillers make to our local economy.
It emphasizes their connection to the land to support the regional economy and create delicious local, seasonal, sustainable flavours.
The final Feast of Fields for 2018 runs Sept. 9 at UBC Farm in Vancouver. Guests will taste and sip local zero-waste creations from more than 50 food and beverage providers. There is also the option to travel direct to the venue (plus return) on the Feast bus from a central city location.
For a full list of participating chefs and makers (and profiles) and to buy tickets, visit feastoffields.com.
There’s still time to grab a ticket to Culmina Estate Winery’s fifth-anniversary weekend to be held Sept. 14 to 16. Events include a special edition “open deck” featuring R&D by Culmina wines, small bites, DJs and music upon arrival on Sept. 14, followed by a marquee chef collaboration six-course plated dinner service Sept. 15 with Boulevard Kitchen chef Alex Chen and Waterfront Wines chef Mark Filatow. It concludes with a grazing, continental brunch featuring Miradoro Restaurant on the morning of Sept. 16. Tickets, shuttles and hotel information at Culmina.ca.
B.C. WINE OF THE WEEK
Clos du Soleil Grower’s Series Pinot Blanc Middle Bench Vineyard 2017, Similkameen Valley $22.90 I 90/100
UPC: 857088000749
The CdS Pinot Blanc hails from the Keremeos Middle Bench Vineyard in the heart of the Similkameen Valley. Deftly handled, it gets a gentle whole cluster pressing before a long, cool, fermentation in stainless steel. The process is key to revealing the tightly beaded acidity of the Similkameen that spills across the palate with a wash of ripe pear. Pinot Blanc with a personality, flecked with tangerine, lychee, and dusted with sagebrush. It finishes with a touch of sweetness to take down the acidity and take on anything spicy. A delightful bottle and a label whose future is firmly established.
WINE FOR THE CELLAR
Mission Hill Quatrain 2013, Okanagan Valley
$75 I 90/100
UPC: 776545555991
Finally, a look at the 2013 Quatrain that has somehow evaded us until now. The 2013 is a 43/27/18/12 blend of Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon mostly from Osoyoos with a 10th of the fruit from Oliver. It spent 15 months in small French oak barrels. The fruit was excellent, and it’s translated to the wine. Rich and generous in black and blue fruit, this has a hint of raisins, dark chocolate, espresso and that savoury herbal southern desert sagebrush. This will be best in 2020, but you can start now with an herbed leg of lamb.